Trials of Mana

Trials of Mana

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【Class/Character Guide】Kevin
By Pandada-sensei
A Kevin guide, OTHER CHARACTERS are being made & updated, will include basic helpful tips.
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Notice
All the information for the classes is complete and fully accurate with regard to abilities. Do let me know however if there is a slight error.

【UPDATE】
- Updated Kevin's guide to be on-par with the other guides in terms of structure. All of the Light sides has more information now and better structure as well.
Special thanks
- Square Enix for actually releasing a remake of this game.
- mana.fandom for the translation of the really cool class descriptions.
- Schutzengel for the inspiration to do this, for early information, and diverse item+spell information and being a boon to the community regarding information.
- Shuichi Niwa for the Alternative Names Patch and community engagement.
- darth.crevette for moonrune corrections and community engagement.
- Hiroki Kikuta for the soundtrack and the Indivisible soundtrack.
Basic Information
These guides will include the Class names used in the remake on top of the original names included with the Translation Correction fan-patch.

Class Changing benefits
  • Locked Abilities: When changing your class you gain access to class-specific abilities that are always activated and do not take up an Ability slot; forgoing the necessity of equipping it. These persist to the next class you change to afterward as an added bonus, on top of the newly gained one from the next class.
  • New Class Strike: Each new class comes with its own Class Strike, some are intentionally left weaker than the rest but tend to be fun.
  • Attack Combo: While straight forward, you gain a welcome bonus of a new combo to use for Class 2 and 3.
  • CS gauge: increases to 300% and 400%, respectively
  • 2 Ability slots added.
  • (Obviously) New abilities to learn.
  • A stat increase to your base stats depending on the class you pick.
Do not be confused when you see the class change window and it tells you that your character is gaining 10+ Attack+Strength or the related stats. You do not gain a total bonus of +20 in "damage", Attack is equal to the Strength you have so you are gaining 10 Attack from having 10 in Strength.
  • ATK = STR + Weapon Attack
  • DEF = STM + Equipment Defense
  • MGC ATK = INT + Weapon Magic Attack
  • MGC DEF = SPRT + Equipment Magical Defense

MOVES and their types
Everything that your character can learn that costs some form of MP to cast is called a MOVE, but a lot of the equipable Abilities sometimes have specific wordings on them that might not be obvious at first to what they might increase. Most would refer to all of these as Spells but for now they will be aggregated to their simplest description of function, i.e spell/healing, etc.

Kevin


【Grappler】
Kevin, just like his story and character, is a simple lad; you point he hits. He has the highest Strength increase of the cast and has the fourth-highest Stamina (with Charlotte pretty close behind him), but is tied with Riesz for the second-highest Health increase to compensate.

What makes Kevin special is his ability to transform into a Werewolf at night, which dramatically increases his significant Strength and to gain the most out of Kevin you should primarily play the game at Night time (Rest at an Inn, wake up at Night). If you are fighting somewhere in the world and notices that Kevin is not in his Werewolf form anymore there is an item called Dream Reed (Rare, can drop from Seeds) which changes Day into Night, or Night into Day.

Class Strike:
  • Phenomenal Fist: A flying rolling axe kick followed by a wide hook into lunging liver blow.
Attack Combo:
  • 1st: A uppercut followed by a roundhouse kick, knocking enemies back.
  • 2nd: A spinning uppercut followed up by a ground pound, covers a wide area.

【Build Suggestion】
Kevin (alongside Charlotte and Duran) can provide party-wide Healing in his Light Class 3:
Warrior Monk.


Kevin is really simple, all you do is hit things even when you've changed classes and his variety is the smallest out of the entire cast. You can play around with his Abilities to stay at <30% health to gain some insane damage value but that is entirely up to you - even without making use of that massive power boost he will still deal a ton of damage regardless of what you do.

A healing party member might screw this playstyle up for you since they are dedicated to bringing you up to speed. You can fix this by using their healing spells manually but that will significantly reduce the pacing of the game, and manually healing allies might not be your cup of tea as Dark for example if all you want to do is hit.

Building for Light Class:
  • Max SPRT for his healing ability, even more so if he's going to become a healer later on.
  • Not that many choices in starting Abilities, Blacksmith CHAIN ability (Watts, story) is value for everyone so use this on him until you class change.
  • Invest in STA and STR if you intend to use Conflagration to play below 30% health throughout the game. Consider using Hawkeye for party support as his Light 3 Class Nomad(He doesn't Heal as a support). Changing class gives you more Abilities that play around the 30% threshold.

Building for Dark Class:
  • STR and LUCK if you don't intend to stay below 30% HP
  • Invest in STA and STR if you intend to use Conflagration to play below 30% health throughout the game. Consider using Hawkeye for party support as his Light 3 Class Nomad (He doesn't Heal as a support). Changing class gives you more Abilities that play around the 30% threshold.



Stat
Points
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
2
Strength +5
Base Strength increased by 5
4
Conflageration
CHAIN
Dealt damage increased by 15% when HP drops to 30% or below
6
Strength +5
Base Strength increased by 5
STA
2
Ward Off
Ability
10% chance of decreasing damage from opponent by 50%
4
Defensive
Ability
Defense and Magic Defense increased by 10% while using Charge Attack
6
Stamina +5
Base Stamina increased by 5
INT
2
Intellect +5
Base Intellect increased by 5
4
Retain
Ability
Effect length increased by 100% for Status Increase caused by move
6
Intellect +5
Base Intellect increased by 5
SPRT
2
Payback
Ability
Reduce total amount of CS gauge used by 10% when using class strike
4
Victory CS Boost
Ability
Add 5% of CS gauge when enemy defeated
6
Spirit +5
Base Spirit increased by 5
LUCK
2
Lucky Break
Ability
50% chance of not getting knocked back
4
Forsake
Ability
5% chance of cancelling out damage from opponent
6
Luck +5
Base Luck increased by 5


Class 2: Light


【Monk】
Finding the call to arms being that of the fighting spirit, the Monk finds solace in the belief that it is within the affairs of the heart and soul that a martial artist derives their strength from. Along with taking up the vow that justified force must be that of equal and necessary power to the fight before them that lies ahead, the Monk also turns to the ways of internal development and discipline to reinforce their affirmations and motivations. From this, Monks find the interval where willpower and spirit is turned into strength and action, and train themselves to ready their mind and heart to give their utmost conviction in battle, coming to learn that power is not just through strength, but to being able to apply themselves with skill, technique, and cunning in the face of life's challenges.

Prerequisite: Level 18, visit any Mana Stone.

Example stat increase at level 18:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
23
3
3
3
3
3
1

Locked Ability:
  • Indignant: Attack increases if ally faints
Class Strike:
  • Spin Kick: AREA ATTACK - If you're coming from the old game, you're in for a treat. Covers a significant area in front of him with a massive tornado while doing several roundhouse and back kicks, a massive upgrade, and a shock to see the first time around.

【Build Suggestion】

Party Healer / Normal Gameplay
Abilities:
  • (STORY) Lupine Soul
  • Free choice
  • Free choice
  • Free choice

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK 12) Broken Lines
Stats:
  • Max STR for damage
  • Max SPRT for stronger healing and to later unlock more abilities in both Class 3 choices.
  • 9 points in LUCK for Broken Lines if you have no one to provide with Defense Decrease.
Notes:
  • Lupine Soul: Speak with the Beast King the moment you are able to in the story.
  • Use Poto Oil from the Night Market in Beiser to function as a party Healer, they work off SPRT.
  • Pressure Point works like a normal Attack Increase buff but ONLY for Kevin, don't invest if you happen to have a buffer that can provide the same thing.

Not exactly what you might want to hear, but Kevin again is a very simple character so not a lot of choices really, the Chain abilities you gain from the story are self-explanatory so feel free to use those (such as Blacksmith) and Lupine Soul is your only way of increasing his healing.



<30% HP Gameplay (As player)
Suggested Party Member:
  • Hawkeye - Ranger -> Nomad for support buffs (Crits, CS increase, Shields, Max HP increase), provides NO healing.
  • Duran - Knight -> Paladin for Provoke Ability to make mobs and bosses focus someone else (Helps with Ambush ability), later on gains Guard to absorb damage from allies and has a single-target heal if you need it on allies.
  • If you use both of the suggested members, Paladin->Divine Hero's Attack Boosts stack together with Nomad->Wardenkeep Attack-Boost Ability.
Abilities:
  • (STR 4) Conflagration
  • (STR 12) Attack Help
  • [Optional] (STA 12) Defense Help
  • Free Choice
Make sure you use Pressure Point while safe. It provides you with the same Attack Increase buff as any spell or item so it doesn't stack. Invest in LUCK for Broken Lines if you have no way of providing Defense Decrease. Defense Help is to help shave off any big hits you might accidentally get hit with and any chip damage that might pile up, but feel free to remove it if you're confident.


Stat
Points
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
9
Strength +5
Base Strength increased by 5
12
Attack Help
CHAIN
Attack increases by 20% when HP drops to 30% or below
15
Strength +5
Base Strength increased by 5
STA
9
Pressure Point
BUFF
Boosts Attack
12
Defense Help
Ability
Defense increases by 20% when HP drops to 30% or below
15
Stamina +5
Base Stamina increased by 5
INT
9
Intellect +5
Base Intellect increased by 5
12
Self-Heal
Ability
Status Effect and Stat Decrease effect time shortened by 30%
15
Intellect +5
Base Intellect increased by 5
SPRT
9
Healing Light
HEAL
Recovers ally's HP
12
Damage CS Boost II
Ability
Add 3% of CS gauge when receiving damage
15
Spirit +5
Base Spirit increased by 5
LUCK
9
Damage Heal
CHAIN
10% chance to recover 10% of HP when receiving damage
12
Broken Lines
Ability
30% chance of Defense Decrease with critical hit
15
Luck +5
Base Luck increased by 5


Class 3: Light-Light


【Divine Fist / Godhand】
Through coming to master one's heart and mind to harmonize with their own being and body, they have attained a level of skill that surpasses the mundane, and this level of mastery is also said in legend to be the sign which one has achieved a state of lofty existence to where holy spiritual power exudes from their very being. From this, the Divine Fist is able to flow with creation itself, able to tread on the borders of life and death free from inner tumult to follow through with their calling and use their newfound spiritual powers to help unlock such potential in their fellow man and clear worldly obstacles, from healing pain, alleviating inner turmoil, and even knowing who to send back to the other side, to ease others paths to enlightenment.

Prerequisite: Level 38, Item: Gold Soul, visit the special Mana Goddess Statue in the Sanctuary of Mana.

Example stat increase at Level 38:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
118
13
28
18
17
18
25

Locked Ability:
  • Fighting Spirit: Add 4% of Cs gauge for every 5 sec. in battle
Class Strike:
  • Byakko Wave: AREA-ATTACK; CAN MISS - Kevin starts channeling a ball of energy in his hand and then fires it forward, ending in an explosion that covers quite a bit of room. The issue with this is that it's a projectile that he charges up and enemies lose their targeting focus of him (since he's invulnerable, like all Class Strikes) and will wander off to someone else. Kevin does NOT track, fast bosses will escape this quite easily (use on them upon getting dizzy) and it's better to use it in point-blank range against enemies.

【Build Suggestion】

Normal Gameplay
Abilities:
  • (STR 27) 1-Hit Class Strike
  • [Optional] (STORY) Lupine Soul
  • [Optional] (STA 21) Ward Off II
  • Free choice
  • -
  • -

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK) Broken Lines I or II
Stats:
  • Max STR for damage
  • 21 points SPRT for Nature Aura.
    • Max it if you want for stronger healing, use Poto Oil from the Night Market in Beiser to function as a party Healer unless someone else has higher Spirit.
Notes:
  • Ward Off II has good value, points better spent on damage; works really well for an AI partner.
  • Use Broken Lines I or II if you have no one to provide the party with Defense Decrease.
  • Revive is unreliable.

Kevin's simplicity is showing, at this point in the game you can use whatever you want. Ward Off II has become a decently good option to use, Revive can have some fun moments when it happens and saves you some time, but I personally wouldn't use it, but feel free to if you have nothing else.



<30% HP Gameplay (As player)
Suggested Party Member:
  • Hawkeye - Ranger -> Nomad for support buffs (Crits, CS increase, Shields, Max HP increase), provides NO healing.
  • Duran - Knight -> Paladin for Provoke Ability to make mobs and bosses focus someone else, later on gains Guard to absorb damage from allies and has a single-target heal if you need it on allies.
  • If you use both of the suggested members, Divine Hero's Attack Boosts stack together with Nomad+Wardenkeep Attack Boost Ability.

Abilities:
  • (STR 4) Conflagration
  • (STR 12) Attack Help
  • (STA 21) [Optional] Ward Off II
  • (STA 27) [Optional] Defense Help II
  • Free Choice
  • Free Choice

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK) Broken Lines I or II
    • (STA 12) Defense Help
Stats:
  • Max STR for damage.
  • Free point investment, according to need.
Notes:
  • Revive is unreliable, has fun moments when it works.
  • Use Broken Lines I or II if you have no one to provide the party with Defense Decrease

At this point you should have gotten quite a few CHAIN abilities from NPC's and party members, so use whichever you want. Again, the STA choices are mainly to stay safe and to not get hit by any accidental shots or chip damage; so remove them if you want. Defense Help I & II stack should you wish to use them together.

Spend points in SPRT to unlock Nature Aura unless someone else can provide it (You save some time and MP for your ally who uses it), it really helps with your CS gain so make sure you use it safely alongside Pressure Point.


Stat
Points
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
21
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
27
1-Hit Class Strike
CHAIN
Class Strike damage increased by 25% when HP at 100%
33
Strength +10
Base Strength +10
STA
21
Ward Off II
Ability
30% chance of decreasing damage from opponent by 50%
27
Defense Help II
Ability
Defense increases by 30% when HP drops to 30% or below
33
Stamina +10
Base Stamina increased by 10
INT
21
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
27
Meditation
Ability
Add 7% of CS gauge for every 5 sec. in battle
33
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
SPRT
21
Nature Aura
BUFF
Helps increase ally's obtained CS in battle
27
Stat Boost CS Boost
Ability
Add 25% of CS gauge when stat is increased with move
33
Spirit +10
Base Spirit increased by 10
LUCK
21
Revive
Ability
50% chance of reducing total amount of CS gauge used by 50% when using class strike
27
Broken Lines II
CHAIN
60% chance of Defense Decrease with critical hit
33
Luck +10
Base Luck increased by 10


Class 3: Light-Dark


【Warrior Monk】
Finding rather that battle is about slight of mental consciousness, perception, and acuity, the Warrior Monk goes along the ways of training their mind over heart. Through intensive meditation and study, the Warrior Monk follows instead the passage of knowledge and creed to guide their fists, and it is from this intense mental training that they derive a unique strength that cannot compare. However, while their passions and thirst for knowledge and edification may burn spirited, their grasping of logic and knowledge of the workings of the fight may turn their fists as cold and brutal as the truths they follow. As they follow their own path of righteousness, so has this class also learned to fight along with those that share their convictions into the heat of battle like an army onto themselves.

Prerequisite: Level 38, Item: Silver Aura, visit the special Mana Goddess Statue in the Sanctuary of Mana.

Example stat increase at Level 38:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
141
10
23
23
17
23
20

Locked Ability:
  • Ambition: Status Effect or Stat Decrease cancelled when using class strike
Class Strike:
  • Genbu Kick: SINGLE-TARGET; Kevin starts moving at high speed and kicks the target from several directions, ending it with a double sommersault.

【Build Suggestion】
Abilities:
  • (STORY) Lupine Soul
  • (STR 27) Attack Saber II
  • [Optional] (STA 21) Ward Off II
  • -
  • -
  • -

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK) Broken Lines I or II
    • (LUCK 21) Cure
Stats:
  • Max SPRT for healing.
  • Max STR for damage.
Notes:
  • Lupine Soul: Talk with the Beast King if you haven't already.

  • Attack Saber II is strong as an ability, it is questionable however because you only have one Saber spell which can be problematic if you fight against enemies with a resistance to Wood.
    • Use Stardust Herb to remove your Saber if enemy is immune/resistant.
    • Claws from the Night Market DOES NOT work with Attack Saber abilities.

  • Ward Off II has good value, but points are better spent on doing damage, but entirely up to you if you feel you need it. Good value on the AI however.
  • Heal Upgrade healing increase ONLY APPLIES to the one wearing it.
  • Cure can be helpful but has questionable value, but if it doesn't proc you would need to cast another heal again.
  • Use Broken Lines I or II if you have no one to provide your party with Defense Decrease.
    • Not that great on an AI partner, but put him on an Aggressive setting and utilize manual-casting of his healing instead.

Healing Light + is the reason you really want this class for, but it doesn't come with any healing increase Abilities. Instead you get Leaf Saber to refill your mana and to spam your healing non-stop. Emphasizing again, get Lupine Soul from Kevin's relevant NPC (Talk with the Beast King when you can). Be sure to abuse it fully, the increase to healing is absolutely worth its value and the AI uses it quite well.



Stat
Pts
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
21
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
27
Attack Saber II
Ability
MP needed for saber magic increased by 8, increases damage dealt by 25%
33
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
STA
21
Ward Off II
30% chance of decreasing damage from opponent by 50%
27
Victory Heal II
Ability
Recover 20% of HP when enemy defeated
33
Stamina +10
Base Stamina increased by 10
INT
21
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
27
Heal Upgrade
Ability
Recovers 35% more HP in battle when healed
33
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
SPRT
21
Healing Light +
HEAL
Recovers all allies' HP
27
Leaf Saber
SABER
Makes ally's weapon absorb MP
33
Spirit +10
Base Spirit increased by 10
LUCK
21
Cure
Ability
75% chance of canceling status effect when using healing magic in battle
27
Broken Lines II
CHAIN
60% chance of defense decrease with critical hit
33
Luck +10
Base Luck increased by 10


Class 4: Final Light


【Beast King】
One of the topmost Grappler classes. Beast Kings have the class strike proficiency of a Divine Fist and the healing abilities of a Warrior Monk. They make use of their high attack and defense.

Prerequisite: Complete the Game, any of the two Class 3 Light classes, progress the post-game content, get Instinct Sphere, visit the special Mana Goddess Statue in the Sanctuary of Mana.

Example stat increase:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
183
15
30
30
20
35
25

Locked Ability:
  • Gem: Cannot be knocked back while using a Charge Attack, opponent's damage decreased by 20%
Class Strike:
  • Qilin Assault: AREA ATTACK; SINGLE-TARGET LOCK ON - The area attack portion of this skill is smaller than one would think, it's not massive however so get a feel for it yourself really. Pummels a target and locks them in, Kevin then summons a portal and jumps through it, a meteor drops on the enemy and Kevin falls down and punches it for a massive explosion.


【Build Suggestion】

God Hand (Normal)
Abilities:
  • (STR 27) 1-Hit Class Strike
  • (STR 53) 1-Hit Class Strike II
  • [Optional] (STORY) Lupine Soul
  • [Optional] (STA 21) Ward Off II
  • [Optional] (STA 43) Ward Off III
  • -
  • -
  • -
    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK) Broken Lines I or II

<30% Gameplay
Abilities:
  • (STR 4) Conflagration
  • (STR 12) Attack Help
  • [Optional] (STA 21) Ward Off II
  • [Optional] (STA 43) Ward Off III
  • [Optional] (STA 12) Defense Help
  • [Optional] (STA 27) Defense Help II
  • -
  • -

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK) Broken Lines I or II
Notes:
  • Ward Off II & III stacks, version III Is really strong, but has a questionable value this late into the game, better to fill the slot with damage instead; use it if you want to feel really bulky.
  • Defense Help I & II stack.
  • Heal Upgrade II healing increase only applies to the one who has it equipped.
  • Broken Lines III is a big point investment and is overkill, I or II is good enough.
  • Cure II can be helpful at most, but you will find it hardly useful this late into the game.

You trivialize the game so it should be self-explanatory on what you can use and want to use. Use any Chain abilities (broken or otherwise) you might have unlocked, since you are most likely going to use it even if I didn't list it.



Warrior Monk
Abilities:
  • (STORY) Lupine Soul
  • (STR 27) Attack Saber II
  • (STR 53) 1-Hit Class Strike II
  • (SPRT 43) Heal CS Boost III
  • [Optional] (STA 21) Ward Off II
  • [Optional] (STA 43) Ward Off III
  • -
  • -

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK) Broken Lines I or II
Notes:
  • Heal CS Boost II will provide you with 30% CS for each heal you cast. Can be spammed.
  • Use Stardust Herb to remove your Saber if enemy is immune/resistant.
  • Claws from the Night Market DOES NOT work with Attack Saber abilities.

  • Ward Off II & III stacks, version III Is really strong, but has a questionable value this late into the game, better to fill the slot with damage instead; use it if you want to feel really bulky.
  • Heal Upgrade II healing increase only applies to the one who has it equipped.
  • Broken Lines III is a big point investment and is overkill, I or II is good enough.
  • Cure II can be helpful at most, but you will find it hardly useful this late into the game.

Warrior Monk just got a whole lot stronger thanks to 1-Hit Class Strike II, combined with Attack Saber II you are going to do a lot of damage as a Healer. Your new Heal CS Boost will be the replacement variant of Nature Aura that you lack and has value on any heal you use. Use anything you like, it's a hard-hitting healer after all.


Stat
Points
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
43
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
53
1-Hit Class Strike II
Ability
Class Strike damage increased by 35% when HP at 100%
63
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
STA
43
Ward Off III
Ability
60% chance of decreasing damage from opponent by 50%
53
Victory Heal III
Ability
Recover 30% of HP when enemy defeated
63
Stamina +10
Base Stamina increased by 10
INT
43
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
53
Heal Upgrade II
CHAIN
Recovers 50% more HP in battle when healed
63
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
SPRT
43
Heal CS Boost III
Ability
Add 10% of CS gauge when healing an ally's HP in battle
53
Stat Boost CS Boost II
Ability
Add 35% of CS gauge when stat is increased by move
63
Spirit +10
Base Spirit increased by 10
LUCK
43
Cure II
Ability
Cancel Status Effect when using Healing Magic in battle
53
Broken Lines III
CHAIN
90% chance of Defense Decrease with critical hit
63
Luck +10
Base Luck increased by 10


Class 2: Dark


【Brawler / Bashkar】
Yearning for power and its influence, the Brawler comes to focus on the external aspects of strength, including the secrets of the flesh and body. Though the Brawler comes to derive strength from bulking their muscles and sinew, and to temper their bodies to endure the rigors of combat, the class also comes to learn of the more brutal secrets of the flesh as well, from learning the weak points of the body and knowing the exact amount of purposed force to apply to defeat their enemies with sharp and unrelenting blows. Because of this focus of study, they are greater in brute strength, drawing out their bodily potential to reach limits greater than others, and to dominate all foes that come their way, but this aim of purpose limits them in skillfulness at the cost of such power, and such is the fact that the decision of where to take this power and the path that awaits lies solely upon the responsibility of the practitioner.

Prerequisite: Level 18, visit any Mana Stone.

Example stat increase at Level 18:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
12
1
7
1
2
3
2

Locked Ability:
  • Mutiny: Attack increases by 15% if HP drops to 50% or below
Class Strike:
  • Abyssal Slice: SINGLE-TARGET - Locks an enemy down while he pummels them several times, ending it in a sommersault

【Build Suggestion】
Suggested Party Member:
  • Hawkeye - Ranger -> Nomad for support buffs (Crits, CS increase, Shields, Max HP increase), provides NO healing.
  • Duran - Knight -> Paladin for Provoke Ability to make mobs and bosses focus someone else (Helps with Ambush ability), later on gains Guard to absorb damage from allies and has a single-target heal if you need it on allies.
  • If you use both of the suggested members, Paladin->Divine Hero's Attack Boosts stack together with Nomad->Wardenkeep Attack-Boost Ability.
Abilities:
  • (STR 4) Conflagration
  • (LUCK 12) Ambush
  • -
  • -

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK 9) Broken Lines
    • (STA 12) Defense Help
Stats:
  • Max STR & LUCK, save points until class change.
  • Points in STA if you want to feel safe for its Abilities.
Notes:
  • Use Broken Lines if you have no one to provide you with Defense Decrease
  • Ambush is not constantly consistent but will help you when the enemy is not focusing you; but they might focus you quite quickly due to the damage you're doing, works fully on a Class Strike however.

His next 2 classes emphasize his ability to deal damage while below 30% health, not counting Mutiny at 50% health (since you might as well go below 30% if you are going to use it anyway).

For normal gameplay, you just use whatever Abilities and any Chain abilities from the story if you wish. (since there isn't much variety for him)


Stat
Points
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
9
Strength +5
Base Strength increased by 5
12
Attack Recoil
Ability
Easier to knock back enemy when power attack is successful
15
Strength +5
Base Strength increased by 5
STA
9
Victory Heal
Ability
Recover 10% of HP when enemy defeated
12
Defense Help
Ability
Defense increased by 20% when HP drops to 30% or below
15
Stamina +5
Base Stamina increased by 5
INT
9
Intellect +5
Base Intellect increased by 5
12
Mute
CHAIN
30% chance of causing silence when using power attack
15
Intellect +5
Base Intellect increased by 5
SPRT
9
Payback II
Ability
Reduce total amount of CS gauge used by 15% when using class strike
12
Victory CS Boost II
CHAIN
Add 10% of CS gauge when enemy defeated
15
Spirit +5
Base Spirit increased by 5
LUCK
9
Ambush II
Ability
Damage to enemy not targeting the player increased by 15%
12
Broken Lines
Ability
30% chance of defense decrease with critical hit
15
Luck +5
Base Luck increased by 5

Class 3: Dark-Dark


【Fatal Fist / Deathhand】
Considered the infernal counterpart to the Divine Fist's loftiness, the Fatal Fist treads ways both feared and forsaken by the world of martial arts, to complete their quest for power at any cost necessary, no matter how far the path to power leads. Taught and encouraged to throw oneself into their own extremes of negativity and wickedness, Fatal Fists twist their heart and mind in this method to empower themselves, drawing upon anything that comprises their faults and worst traits, be it anger, resentment, hatred, vice, elitism, egotism, and the acceptance of the capability to do great wrong and evil, to realize great strength at the cost of their soul. Transformed into demons at the wake of battle and conflict, the class then instantaneously throws themselves into rage and abandon, commanding such wrathful power that shows no mercy no matter how paced the warrior fights, with each blow infused with the willingness to cause pain and suffering, and the intent of the complete merciless destruction of opposition. Though legends tell of such warriors of wicked strength to be the strongest in respect of their unmatched might, the reality remains that such brutality is considered so excessive and cruel to where the martial arts world forbids their ways to ever be tread upon, and to keep word and knowledge of the class's existence stricken silent away as verboten and taboo secrets none should ever come across.

Prerequisite: Level 38, Item: Death Aura, visit the special Mana Goddess Statue in the Sanctuary of Mana.

Example stat increase at Level 38:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
118
8
28
21
18
21
25

Locked Ability:
  • Royal Anger: Attack and defense increase by 10% when HP drops to 30% or below
Class Strike:
  • Seiryu Strike: AREA-ATTACK - Leaps into the air and floats above it while channeling lightning into himself, before ending it in a massive discharge.

【Build Suggestion】
Suggested Party Member:
  • Hawkeye - Ranger -> Nomad for support buffs (Crits, CS increase, Shields, Max HP increase), provides NO healing.
  • Duran - Knight -> Paladin for Provoke Ability to make mobs and bosses focus someone else (Helps with your Ambush ability), later on gains Guard to absorb damage from allies and has a single-target heal if you need it on allies.
  • If you use both of the suggested members, Paladin->Divine Hero's Attack Boosts stack together with Nomad->Wardenkeep Attack-Boost Ability.
Abilities:
  • (STR 4) Conflagration
  • (LUCK 21) Critical Damage
  • [Optional] (LUCK 9) Ambush II
  • Free choice
  • -
  • -

    Additional Optionals:
    • (LUCK 27) Broken Lines II
    • (STA 12) Defense Help
    • (STA 27) Defense Help II
    • (STA 21) Ward Off II
Stats:
  • Max STR & LUCK, save points until next class.
  • Points in STA if you want to feel safe for its Abilities.
  • 21 points in SPRT for Moon Energy if no one else can provide it.
Notes:
  • Defense Help I & II stack.
  • Use Broken Lines if you have no one to provide with Defense Decrease.
  • Ambush is not constantly consistent but will help you when the enemy is not focusing you; but they might focus you quite quickly due to the damage you're doing, works fully on a Class Strike however.

Finishing Blow is very overkill, but you are entirely free to use it. If you have Hawkeye Nomad in your party you don't need to think or spend points on Moon Energy for the critical rate.



Max Damage vs Monsters (not bosses)
  • (STR 4) Conflagration
  • (LUCK 21) Critical Damage
  • (INT 27) Special Effect II
  • (INT 12) Mute
  • [Optional] (LUCK 27) Broken Lines II
  • [Optional] (LUCK 9) Ambush II

Now if you really want to overkill your enemies, just pummel them with your new multi-hit combo which will most likely trigger Mute that you can learn yourself, or Toxic / Charred. Broken Lines has no value if you have a Necromancer in the party for the Dark Curse spell or any of Dark Riesz's classes. Invest in Moon Energy if you want, but you won't even need it against regular monsters at this point in the game just like with Finishing Blow.


Stat
Pts
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
21
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
27
Finishing Blow
CHAIN
Damage to enemy with 30% HP or below increased by 30%
33
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
STA
21
Ward Off II
Ability
30% chance of decreasing damage from opponent by 50%
27
Defense Help II
Ability
Defense increased by 30% when HP drops to 30% or below
33
Stamina +10
Base Stamina increased by 10
INT
21
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
27
Special Effect II
CHAIN
Damage to enemy with status effect increased by 40%
33
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
SPRT
21
Moon Energy
BUFF
Boosts ally's chance of critical hit
27
Damage CS Boost III
Ability
Add 7% of CS gauge when receiving damage
33
Spirit +10
Base Spirit increased by 10
LUCK
21
Critical Damage
Ability
Damage increased by 30% when hit by critical hit
27
Broken Lines II
CHAIN
60% chance of defense decrease with critical hit
33
Luck +10
Base Luck increased by 10


Class 3: Dark-Light


【Enlightened / Dervish】
Having come to a realization of the undisputed truth of the grueling and extreme nature of the heart of the fight and all conflict, the Enlightened has combined martial arts skill and raw, brute strength with the teachings of removing oneself from one's emotions, attaining peak mastery with unflinching prowess and a mind incapable of distraction. Taught to remove their attachments and objections from the consequences of battle and to steel themselves to the core, leaving their senses sharpened to their highest and shaping themselves to become veritable living weapons, the Enlightened's methods sees them rush onto the border of life or death, and immediately shatters the tension that had flared up in a split second with the annihilation of the enemy with absolute skill and precise attacks powerful enough to render foes in pieces. Legends tell of their coming signaling omens of strife and carnage as its heralds, their fighting prowess witnessed to be like that of a dance on the battlefield dashing them in blood like a petal blown field of wildflowers, and illuminated in the flames of war.

Prerequisite: Level 38, Item: Mage Aura, visit the special Mana Goddess Statue in the Sanctuary of Mana.

Example stat increase at Level 38:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
96
11
23
23
26
18
22

Locked Ability:
  • Inferno: Invincible for 10 sec at start of battle
Class Strike:
  • Suzaku Aerial: AREA-ATTACK - Leaps into the air and channels the area with fire, detonating it at the end for a big explosion.

【Build Suggestion】
Suggested Party Member:
  • Hawkeye - Ranger -> Nomad for support buffs (Crits, CS increase, Shields, Max HP increase), provides NO healing.
  • Duran - Knight -> Paladin for Provoke Ability to make mobs and bosses focus someone else (Helps with your Ambush ability), later on, gains Guard to absorb damage from allies and has a single-target heal if you need it on allies.
  • If you use both of the suggested members, Paladin->Divine Hero's Attack Boosts stack together with Nomad->Wardenkeep Attack-Boost Ability.
Abilities:
  • (STR 4) Conflagration
  • (STR 27) Adversity
  • (LUCK 21) Critical Damage
  • [Optional] (LUCK 9) Ambush II
  • Free choice
  • -

    Additional Optionals:
    • (STA 12) Defense Help
    • (STA 27) Defense Help II
    • (LUCK 27) Broken Lines II
Stats:
  • Max STR & LUCK, save points for class change.
  • Points in STA if you want to feel safe for its Abilities.
Notes:
  • Defense Help I & II stack.
  • Use Broken Lines if you have no one to provide with Defense Decrease.
  • Ambush is not constantly consistent but will help you when the enemy is not focusing you; but they might focus you quite quickly due to the damage you're doing, works fully on a Class Strike however.

Moonsaber can help your party members but won't help the <30% playstyle at all. Use whatever abilities you like if you aren't playing with that style, including points in Moon Saber.


Stat
Pts
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
21
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
27
Adversity
Ability
Attack, Defense, and Magic Defense increased by 10% when HP drops to 30% or below
33
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
STA
21
Victory Help II
Ability
Recover 20% of HP when enemy defeated
27
Defense Help II
Ability
Defense increased by 30% when HP drops to 30% or below
33
Stamina +10
Base Stamina increased by 10
INT
21
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
27
Fortitude III
Ability
Attack increases by 30% when affected by status effect
33
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
SPRT
21
Moon Saber
SABER
Makes ally's weapon absorb HP
27
Stat Down Resistance
CHAIN
All stat decreases cancelled out
33
Spirit +10
Base Spirit increased by 10
LUCK
21
Critical Damage
Ability
Damage increased by 30% when hit by critical hit
27
Broken Lines II
CHAIN
60% chance of defense decrease with critical hit
33
Luck +10
Base Luck increased by 10


Class 4: Final Dark


【Annihilator】
One of the topmost Grappler classes. Annihilators can press their advantage like a Fatal Fist and power up their attacks like an Enlightened. They can overpower any enemy.

Prerequisite: Complete the Game, any of the two Class 3 Dark classes, progress the post-game content, get Instinct Sphere, visit the special Mana Goddess Statue in the Sanctuary of Mana.

Example stat increase:
Stat
HP
MP
STR
STM
INT
SPR
LCK
Bonus
139
15
35
25
30
25
30

Locked Ability:
  • Evil Spirit: Attack increased by 3% when normal attack hits (up to 30%)
Class Strike:
  • Dragon Torrent: AREA-ATTACK; Persistent straight line - Kevin jumps into the air and blasts everything in front of him with a giant energy beam, lasts for quite a while as well. Final Flash, anyone?


【Build Suggestion】
Suggested Party Member:
  • Hawkeye - Nomad for support buffs (Crits, CS increase, Shields, Max HP increase), provides NO healing.
  • Duran - Paladin for Provoke Ability to make mobs and bosses focus someone else (Helps with your Ambush ability), later on, gains Guard to absorb damage from allies and has a single-target heal if you need it on allies.
  • If you use both of the suggested members, Divine Hero's Attack Boosts stack together with Nomad+Wardenkeep Attack-Boost Ability.
Abilities:
  • (STR) Conflagration
  • (LUCK) Critical Damage
  • (LUCK) Critical Damage II
  • (STR) Adversity (if Enlightened)
  • [Optional] (STA) Defense Help II
  • [Optional] (STA) Defense Help III
  • Free choice
  • Free choice
Notes:
  • Equip any of your strongest Attack Chains.
  • Divine Hero also comes with (CHAIN) Attack Help III, a 40% attack increase when below 30% HP.

At this point you can use anything, or not play the <30% style since you will kill anything without much effort regardless. Mute combo above still applies if you want to use it from Fatal Fist, but enemies won't even last long enough for it to be noticable.


Stat
Pts
Abilities/Moves
Type
Description
STR
43
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
53
Finishing Blow II
CHAIN
Damage to enemy with 30% HP or below increased by 45%
63
Strength +10
Base Strength increased by 10
STA
43
Victory Heal III
Ability
Recover 30% of HP when enemy defeated
53
Defense Help III
Ability
Defense increases by 40% when HP drops to 30% or below
63
Stamina +10
Base Stamina increased by 10
INT
43
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
53
Fortitude IV
Ability
Attack increases by 40% when affected by status effect
63
Intellect +10
Base Intellect increased by 10
SPRT
43
Payback III
Ability
Reduce total amount of CS gauge used by 35% when using Class Strike
53
Damage CS Boost IV
Ability
Add 10% of CS gauge when receiving damage
63
Spirit +10
Base Spirit increased by 10
LUCK
43
Critical Damage II
Ability
Damage increased by 40% when hit by critical hit
53
Broken Lines III
CHAIN
90% chance of defense decrease with critical hit
63
Luck +10
Base Luck increased by 10


??? Seeds: how to farm them
In order to gain access to Class 3 you will need to be level 38 and above while having a corresponding item in order to unlock it. The items needed are called ??? Seed and tend to drop around the time you're about to reach your character's final story-related dungeon. You need to visit the special Goddess Statue in the Sanctuary of Mana afterward.

SOME EXCEPTIONS TO THESE RULES, HOWEVER
These can drop from chests as well but VERY rarely, I personally at most had 2 until I reached the part where I could farm them at the end-game.It is entirely possible to complete the entire game and the final dungeon of your characters' story without ever getting to enjoy Class 3.
I personally recommend you spend the time needed to farm these seeds when possible.

Hover over the text below when you reach level 38:
(This tip is to get the most enjoyment out of the time you can efficiently unlock your class because the worst thing that can happen is only getting to fight 1-3 bosses without getting to enjoy your new flashy class fully.)


Earliest possible method:
Pray to whatever deity or entity you worship for the RNG.
Those with a chance to drop them:
  • Chartmoon Tower, hunt Silverwolf. (There are a lot of them)
    • Before you reach the top floor, you will be greeted by 3 Silverwolf mobs. Go to the top floor and only target the groups that has Silverwolf in it, go down to the 3 Silverwolves again for their respawn and repeat.
  • Woods of Wandara, hunt Queeneebs

End-game Method:
Defeat all 7 of the Benevodons, then view the text below.

After you have defeated the 7 Benevodons, you head out to find the Darkstone. Depending on which story you are in, your quest will have you progress deeper into a unique area; this will either be:

Crystal Desert (Duran/Angela)
Jungle of Illusion (Kevin/Charlotte)
Night Cavern (Hawkeye/Riesz)

TIP: There is usually a Golden Goddess Statue at the end of the area with a boss fight, feel free to enter but I like to fight it after I've changed my class just for enjoyment's sake. Scour the entire area, there tends to be 1-2 special monsters who instead drops the ultra-rare Rainbow Seed as well, but the vast majority of monsters in these specific areas drop the ??? Seeds quite regularly (or as regularly as RNG can get). Get about 6 of the ??? seeds (or 10 if you wish), go to an Inn and grow them and hope for the item you want.
9 Comments
geekgirl101 14 Nov, 2020 @ 12:53am 
I tried looking for "Adversity" for his dark ability but it doesn't exist.
🌌 LetsPlayNintendoITA 🌀 6 Jun, 2020 @ 6:32pm 
remember to get the ability from Matelo at Palo. It increases the respawn of enemies for ??? Seeds farming!
Pandada-sensei  [author] 14 May, 2020 @ 6:33pm 
Update Kevin's guide to be on-par with the other guides in terms of structure. All of the Light sides has more information now and better structure as well.

Will go back to the other ones and see if they need anything updated.
Pandada-sensei  [author] 9 May, 2020 @ 8:57am 
Removed the pictures because I managed to make an ideal circumstance where one power hit dealt 75% of Anise's HP, lol
Pandada-sensei  [author] 3 May, 2020 @ 1:05am 
If you are going to make a guide with all the unlocked chain abilities then there is no point to any guide, since everyone can use them and they are all powerful :P

All caster guides would be Obsidian Power.

There is absolutely no point in adding them in, and they are all strong that you don't need a guide to tell you to wear them. And I know how rainbow seeds work, I just haven't bothered with any of it since you don't need them to complete or steamroll the game.
Pandada-sensei  [author] 2 May, 2020 @ 1:01pm 
The playstyle of <30% together with Wolf Form has a bit of a power creep once it gets going, in regards to the defensive stuff I've only ever used it for avoiding chip damage which has helped constantly. I just use candy or chocolate to get myself back up to ~30% depending on how much damage if I happen to derp up.

You'll see other party members take about 50-60% of a big hit but you'll still survive(barely). Even if Ward Off II is a 30% chance it most certainly helps any build at 100% for those that has it; I didn't personally use it for Kevin.

I most definitely think Enlightened is better than Fatal Fist, that invulnerability lets you ignore any form of damage and you'll beat everything down in 10 seconds anyway, and once you're class 4 it has the same stat increase no matter which class you come from.

Adversity is a slightly better version than the one Fatal Fist has as a Locked Ability (albeit takes a slot, not that it matters)
Mortalteddybear 2 May, 2020 @ 12:56pm 
I used Fatal Fist - Annihilator with Payback I & II & III, Ambush II and Critical Damage I & II. You get tons of use of CS for bosses, Ambush always procs on CS strike and Moon energy helps on the Critical damage procs too. Pretty sweet for final bosses.
EbonySeraphim 2 May, 2020 @ 12:31pm 
This is quite a good guide with contextual information. You're the only person/guide that seems to understand that Kevin really should be applying defense down with how rapidly he hits to reliably apply the debuff. As you said, Byakko Shockwave can miss. I think may be the most missable class strike in the game - certainly anything above level 2. I'm also curious about the usage of any defensive abilities. I never used them on Kevin except for the 50% chance of not getting knocked back (hurts it offense). If he takes a heavy hit, he's less likely than anyone other than Durant to be in mortal trouble, and for his Dark classes, that might be the play style.
Pandada-sensei  [author] 30 Apr, 2020 @ 10:01am 
Took longer than expected because I added 'builds' this time :P but Kevin is so simple he really doesn't need anything. Will update the other character pages with the same thing, last one to go out is Charlotte.

Does not include any intentionally unlockable broken CHAIN abilities and only those unlocked through skillpoints (since why would I need to tell you to equip broken chain abilities if you would already know they are good just by looking at them?)